Squeaky Ball Joints!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MarkM · #1 01-11-2005, 10:06 AM

Why did the original ball joints on my 85 300 D last for almost 18 years, then the new ones I put in a couple of years ago start to squeak. I wish these things had grease nipples...there was real satisfaction in periodically getting under the car and greasing suspension components, and seeing the old dirty grease come out and nice clean grease go in. I'm not sure about these maintenance-free suspension components.

I had my son push front end up and down and steer car while I put my hand on various front suspension/steering components. It's definitely the ball joints. Is there any way to quiet these things down...is this squeaking indicative of pending failure. These were replaced in 2002 using required tool...OE parts (febi I think??). Can I just forget about them and hope the noise goes away, or plan on replacing them again?

Thanks,

Mark

Cateaux · #2 01-11-2005, 10:41 AM

You can buy a pack of grease fittings and install them yourself. Just drill the appropriately sized hole (with a magnetic drill bit- ball joints HATE metal shavings

) and screw them in. With a little luck, fresh grease will shut them up and extend their squeaky little lives.

For future reference, you shouldn't pump so much grease in that it forces it's way out of the greasebag. That tears the greasebag and leaves a way for water and dirt to get in. Just pump until you see the bag swell a little. Unless the greasebag is already torn, in which case, the harm's been done...pump away!

Pete Burton · #3 01-11-2005, 10:44 AM

Of course you know that if they are squeaking they are out of grease and should be replaced. Nevertheless, as an aid for more positive diagnosis, dribbling some gear oil in there will definitely quiet things down. If it doesn't, I respectfully suggest that the noise problem originates elsewhere. I put oil in my completely dry and rusty joints and it removed the noise totally (for a little while) Mine were so bad the boots were non existent.

ayalar007 · #4 01-11-2005, 12:03 PM

Mine is doing the same thing!

I cant stand that squeak anymore. It makes the car sound like a junker

Is it dangerous to use the car in this way? Or is the noise just the only side effect. My fear is that my right front tire might pass me on the opposite lane while driving!

P.E.Haiges · #5 01-11-2005, 12:37 PM

Mark,

I grease my ball joints and tie rod ends every 25,000 miles and they are still going strong after 25 years and 260,000 miles.

I use a hypodermic type needle with a grease fitting on the end. The needle pierces the rubber boot and injects the grease inside. It makes such a small hole, the grease does not leak out.

I bought the needle at an auto parts store a long time ago, but they still might be available.

P E H

Cateaux · #6 01-11-2005, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayalar007

Is it dangerous to use the car in this way? Or is the noise just the only side effect. My fear is that my right front tire might pass me on the opposite lane while driving!

The squeak means that the ball joint needs grease. The problem is that once they run out of grease it doesn't take very long to damage them. They might be able to be saved, but that depends on wether there is any play in the ball joints. If there's no play, then you should be able to grease them and stop them from wearing any further. If there is play, it will gradually get worse until the joint separates and the control arm and steering knuckle go their separate ways. The wheel won't actually come off the car, but I guarantee it'll ruin your day

.

Though I've never even heard of it until now, let alone tried it, the method of greasing that PEH described sure sounds more painless that installing grease fittings. Could I use a regular medical syringe? Here in New Orleans you can find them (slighly used) for free on the sidewalk

.

Pete Burton · #7 01-11-2005, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cateaux

Here in New Orleans you can find them (slighly used) for free on the sidewalk

.

eww. that's more dangerous than the squeaky balljoint.

Cateaux · #8 01-11-2005, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Burton

eww. that's more dangerous than the squeaky balljoint.

Of course, I was only kidding. I actually live in a pretty good neighborhood. Most of the gunshots I hear are off in the distance somewhere

.

84300DT · #9 01-11-2005, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cateaux

Could I use a regular medical syringe? Here in New Orleans you can find them (slighly used) for free on the sidewalk

.

ughh that is soo disgusting, just don't share them with any other benz

ayalar007 · #10 01-18-2005, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cateaux

The squeak means that the ball joint needs grease. The problem is that once they run out of grease it doesn't take very long to damage them. They might be able to be saved, but that depends on wether there is any play in the ball joints. If there's no play, then you should be able to grease them and stop them from wearing any further. If there is play, it will gradually get worse until the joint separates and the control arm and steering knuckle go their separate ways. The wheel won't actually come off the car, but I guarantee it'll ruin your day

.

Though I've never even heard of it until now, let alone tried it, the method of greasing that PEH described sure sounds more painless that installing grease fittings. Could I use a regular medical syringe? Here in New Orleans you can find them (slighly used) for free on the sidewalk

.

Cateaux,
Thanks for the info. Sorry I have not replied sooner, but im back in school and not much time to idle round if you know what I mean. But anyway, i took my car to ULTIMATE EURO REPAIRS, in Ft. Lauderdale. Raul, the shop owner quoted me $500 to get rid of the squeaks and rattles and $1000 for a front end job.

As a student and without much money that is really steep! But at least I know what I amlooking at. But just wanted to say thanks for your help. Also, I did go to Napa and got the needle, but then realized that the dust boot on the right lower balljoint is cracked so I dont think the needle is going to help. I sure hope it starts raining money soon!!!

84300DT · #11 01-18-2005, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayalar007

Cateaux,
Thanks for the info. Sorry I have not replied sooner, but im back in school and not much time to idle round if you know what I mean. But anyway, i took my car to ULTIMATE EURO REPAIRS, in Ft. Lauderdale. Raul, the shop owner quoted me $500 to get rid of the squeaks and rattles and $1000 for a front end job.

As a student and without much money that is really steep! But at least I know what I amlooking at. But just wanted to say thanks for your help. Also, I did go to Napa and got the needle, but then realized that the dust boot on the right lower balljoint is cracked so I dont think the needle is going to help. I sure hope it starts raining money soon!!!

i think you have not wasted your money. inject grease into that right lower ball joint and i'm betting you will find it lasts until the summer rains in fla. which can be quite 'interesting' to say the least

don't be shy put a lot of grease in there and you can wipe off the excess with a clean towel.

#12 01-11-2005, 06:38 PM

No, see, stopping squeaks is what the radio is for...

Kidding... kidding...

whunter · #13 01-11-2005, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webwench

No, see, stopping squeaks is what the radio is for...
Kidding... kidding...

It is not a radio, it is a NOISE SUPRESSION DEVICE, please excuse my shouting, our neighbors daughter was just dropped off by her boy friend in his super rice boom box, with his DB level, I will guarantee he never will hear the fire truck or other emergency vehicle that kills him.

#14 01-11-2005, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

It is not a radio, it is a NOISE SUPRESSION DEVICE, please excuse my shouting, our neighbors daughter was just dropped off by her boy friend in his super rice boom box, with his DB level, I will guarantee he never will hear the fire truck or other emergency vehicle that kills him.

Yes, and while he's out on a date with a hot young thing, certain people are on a web board talking about their squeaky ball joints, see?

Skulking back to OD now...

Carleton Hughes · #15 01-11-2005, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webwench

No, see, stopping squeaks is what the radio is for...

Kidding... kidding...

Hee Hee, Ha ha,
Got he same problem on my '84 with 210K, funny thing is the loud squeak will seem to come from the passenger side occasionally,then without a by your leave it emanates{less volume} from the driver's side.

One confident polymath suggested the rubber suspension bushings are at fault and indeed a random "pushing" of the vehicle up and down certainly has a rubbery sound, but goddamit, sometimes it will telegraph to the driver's side as well.

Temperature, length of time driving has NO correlation to the frequency or intensity of this disturbing phenomena.

I'll replace all the rubber, cheap enough.